Punjab govt decides not to celebrate Basant this year

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided not to celebrate Basant this year and directions have been given by Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan to inform the Lahore High Court in this connection.

In a meeting Wednesday chaired by Punjab senior minister, it was decided that the court would be apprised in detail of the facts and apprehensions based on this decision.

Aleem Khan directed that preparations for the next year should be started right now in which registration of stuff sellers may be undertaken and violators should be booked as well. Senior minister indicated that if required new legislation can also be made for strict laws for holding of Basant. He pointed out that four to six months are required for proper preparation of Basant in the province and if the relevant institutions work properly such activities can be held for promotion of soft image of Pakistan and which will also boost business activities in the region.

Meanwhile, Britain’s Political Counselor William Medilton also called on Senior Minister Aleem Khan. In this meeting Wednesday held at 90-Sharah-e-Quaid-i-Azam, senior minister apprised the UK political counselor about the development in different sectors of Punjab. He said the government has great commitment of promotion of health, education and infrastructure and practical steps were being taken on the directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan in this regard. He said the Punjab government intends to enhance bilateral cooperation with the UK government. William Medilton told the minister that Britain was watching the process of change in Pakistan with keen interest. He said bilateral cooperation by the British government would continue in Punjab. He also offered more cooperation in different sectors and discussed a number of projects.